We will review the two standardized sampling protocols (alcohol wash, and powdered sugar roll) for counting mites. A quick run down of the Mite-a-Thon data project should include: Number of mites per 100 bees (% of hive infestation), Hive location, total number of hives, number of hives tested, local habitat, and total number of Varroa counted from each hive. The published information will not identify any individual participants. Jim K. Media PersonContact: bigislandbeekeepers@gmail.com or voice mail 805 399-2422

Monday, August 14, 2017

This year we are looking at 5 categories of Honey, 1 solid form, 1 Comb, and 3 liquid in a dark, medium, light color classification. See the website for details, or drop us a line for more information.

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

The first annual Mite-A-Thon will take place Saturday, September 9 to Saturday,
September 16, 2017 and we invite you to participate!

FORWARD THIS NOTICE - Local beekeeping clubs and associations are key to making
Mite-A-Thon a success!

The Mite-A-Thon is a national effort to collect mite infestation data and to
visualize varroa infestations in honey bee colonies across North America within
a one week window. All beekeepers will be asked to participate, creating
a rich distribution of sampling sites in Canada, the United States, and
Mexico. Their varroa monitoring data will be uploaded to www.mitecheck.com.

OBJECTIVE: 1) Raise awareness about honey bee colony varroa infestations in
North America through effective monitoring methods. 2) Management strategies
will be made available for discussion within bee organizations utilizing
Mite-A-Thon partner developed information and outreach materials.

PARTICIPANTS: All beekeepers are welcome to participate – we need bee
associations to help lead this effort!

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

1. Encourage your members to participate in September, through
meetings, newsletters, emails, social media etc. - http://www.pollinator.org/miteathon
2. Teach new beekeepers how to monitor for mites in August. http://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/varroa/
3. Help your members prepare their monitoring materials.
4. Support your members in making sure they are able to monitor
mites effectively and report their data.

DATA COLLECTION: Participants will monitor the level of mites (number of mites
per 100 bees) using a standardized protocol utilizing two common methods of
assessment (powdered sugar roll or alcohol wash) and then enter data, including
location, total number of hives, number of hives tested, local habitat, and the
number of varroa mites counted from each hive. The published information will
not identify individual participants.

COST: There is no cost. You can create your own test materials or kits can be
purchased online. Some scholarships are available (js@pollinator.org).

Links and Resources

Become A BIBA Member

BIBA MEMBERSHIP

Becoming a member is easy! Join BIBA by paying the annual membership fee of $10.00 to the Association Treasurer. This can be done in person at one of the general membership meetings or by mailing a check payable to BIBA to:

Big Island Beekeepers Association

P. O. Box 7231

Hilo Hawaii, 96720

808-935-3939

ebelcher@hawaii.rr.com

Be sure to include your name and contact information (phone number, mailing address and email address) with the check.